I don't think Allen is being cheap; I think he's pursuing a "feast or famine" strategy. When we're rebuilding, there's no reason to lay out huge money. However, if we're close, I think PA will open his wallet if faced with a deal that would dramatically increase the chances of us winning a championship.
I don't think we'll ever hear the truth from the front office, but I think they're as surprised as anyone at how quickly we became good. My guess was they thought we were at least a year or two away. In other words, I bet PA opens the wallet this summer and brings in one or two impact players, luxury tax be damned.